Beef Tallow French Fries
Crispy, Old-Fashioned Fries with Rich Flavor
Experience the unbeatable crispiness and deep, savory flavor of homemade Beef Tallow French Fries. Cooking fries in beef tallow creates a golden, crunchy exterior and fluffy interior that's hard to replicate with vegetable oils. This traditional method delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients. Let's get started!
PREP TIME: 20 minutes
COOK TIME: 20 minutes
COURSE: Side Dish
CUISINE: American
SERVINGS: 4 servings
EQUIPMENT:
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Knife and cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Paper towels or wire rack
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 4 cups beef tallow (enough for deep frying)
- 1 tablespoon sea salt (or to taste)
- Cold water (for soaking)
- Optional: freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and peel the russet potatoes (leave the skin on if preferred).
- Cut them into evenly sized sticks, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Place the cut potatoes into a large bowl filled with cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain and pat completely dry using paper towels.
Step 2: Heat the Beef Tallow
- Add beef tallow to a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer.
- Heat the tallow to 325°F (163°C), using a thermometer to monitor temperature.
- Prepare a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray for draining.
Step 3: First Fry (Blanching)
- Carefully add a batch of dried potatoes into the hot tallow, avoiding overcrowding.
- Fry for 4-5 minutes until the fries are soft and pale but not browned.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the rack.
- Repeat with remaining potatoes and allow all fries to rest for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Second Fry (Crisping)
- Increase the tallow temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Return the fries to the hot fat in batches.
- Fry for 2-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to the rack or paper towels to drain.
- Immediately season with sea salt and optional spices while hot.
TIPS:
- Russet potatoes work best due to their high starch content and fluffy interior.
- Make sure potatoes are completely dry before frying to prevent splattering.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature for perfectly crispy fries.
- Beef tallow can be strained, cooled, and reused multiple times.
KEYWORD: Beef Tallow French Fries, Deep Fried, Crispy Fries, Traditional Cooking
